Lamine Yamal continues to rise as one of Barcelona’s brightest stars. The 18-year-old produced 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 matches in his standout 2024-25 campaign. His performances helped Barcelona win La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de Espana. With those numbers, Yamal is among the favorites for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. His name now stands next to the best in world football.
The Ballon d’Or nominees include Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Vinícius Júnior. Barcelona is also represented by Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Pedri, and Yamal. Paris Saint-Germain lead with several nominees, including Ousmane Dembele, who is also a favorite. This sets up a strong competition between players from Spain, England, France, and Germany. The final winner will be announced in a few days.
When asked about the race, Frenkie de Jong gave an interesting reply. A reporter asked if Raphinha or Yamal could beat Dembele for the award. De Jong quickly added Pedri’s name into the conversation.
“Pedri also, no? Pedri is also there,” he said, showing support for his longtime teammate.
Fans reacted strongly to De Jong’s response online. One fan said,
“Frenkie didn’t let them skip Pedri. No stats needed. Just pure loyalty and respect. That’s captain mentality.” One fan said.
“Frenkie’s a true bro, always keeping it real for Pedri.” Another wrote.
“Frenkie making sure Pedri’s name gets mentioned shows the bond in that squad, always looking out for his brother 👏💙❤️” another fan said.
Supporters appreciated the loyalty between Barcelona teammates. The exchange showed the close bond within the squad. Here are some more reactions from fans:
“Frenkie’s already seeing the future stars! Always pays to recognize true value, whether it’s on the pitch or finding that purple patch. 😉💜” one fan wrote.
“That’s brotherhood right there.” a fan reacted.
“Barcelona players thinking they stand a chance baffles me,” one fan mentioned.
“Love how Frenkie instantly brought up Pedri 😍 shows how much faith and pride he has in his teammates. Barça’s young core really is something special. 💙❤️” a fan commented.
Barcelona’s future looks bright with Yamal, Pedri, and others leading the way. Yamal’s breakthrough has put him in world-class company. De Jong’s loyalty highlights the unity among the players. With several Barcelona stars nominated, the club is well represented. The Ballon d’Or race will be one to watch this season.
Also read: Barcelona faces Champions League opener without Lamine Yamal amid injury row and growing tension
Ousmane Dembele leads Ballon d’Or race ahead of Lamine Yamal as ceremony nears
Paris Saint-Germain look set to dominate the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony. The French club won the Champions League, Ligue 1, and reached the Club World Cup final. Nine PSG players are included in the 30-man shortlist. With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer in contention, the award feels more open than ever. Many expect a PSG player to walk away with the trophy on Monday night.
Ousmane Dembele is seen as the favorite. The winger scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists in 53 appearances. He played a central role in PSG’s treble, producing big moments in key matches. PSG sporting director Luis Campos was clear in his view:
“If Ousmane doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or, it’s because the people who voted don’t have the competence to vote.” He added: “If he was called Leo Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, there would be no discussion.”
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is considered the main challenger. At just 18, he delivered 18 goals and 25 assists across competitions. His performances helped Barcelona lift La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España. Yamal could become the youngest ever Ballon d’Or winner, breaking Ronaldo Nazario’s record from 1997. Many believe his time will come even if he misses out this year.
Other strong names include PSG’s Vitinha and Nuno Mendes, who starred in both domestic and international tournaments. Mendes impressed in the Champions League and won player of the finals in the Nations League. Barcelona winger Raphinha also enters the conversation after 56 goal contributions, including a hat-trick against Bayern Munich.
From the Premier League, Mohamed Salah leads the hopefuls. The Liverpool star scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists last season. Still, Liverpool’s early Champions League exit may hurt his chances. Erling Haaland, Declan Rice, and Cole Palmer are also on the list, though none are favorites.
CBS Sports analyst JayDee Dyer praised Dembele’s impact, saying (via One Football):
“The criteria is can you turn up in the big moments and have those big goals, and every single time PSG’s needed someone to lean upon, he’s been the focal point or he’s been one of the talisman in that situation. So, if that’s the criteria for the Ballon d’Or, then I have to give it to Dembele.”
With the ceremony only days away, Dembele appears to have the strongest case for football’s top individual prize.